You brought Malakii’s greatest adventures to life

Ten-year-old Zamarii dreams of a future where he and his brother—Malakii—can run until their sides ache and stay up laughing about their adventures.

The reality is that Malakii is physically unable to walk up to his brother and give him a hug.

Malakii was born with a nervous system disorder that prevents him from walking and talking. And yet, that hasn’t stopped Malakii’s family from dreaming these adventures to life in the form of a wish.

My greatest hope is that this book can teach others about special needs children and share Malakii’s story of strength and resilience.”

– wish mom Ophelia

Photo Courtesy of Cristina Roark

More kids are waiting

When you help to grant a wish, you replace fear with confidence, sadness with joy and anxiety with hope. For that, we thank you.

Right now, we have enough children waiting for their wishes to fill up more than seven school buses. There’s a long line of kids waiting for their wishes, including Alicia who wants to visit an octopus farm.

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Susie makes wishes come true in two ways and so can you

Long-time wish-granting volunteer Susie Naye sees first-hand the difference wishes make for children facing critical illnesses and their families.

It’s this ability to bring joy to families in the most difficult times paired with the friendships she’s built over the years—with other Make-A-Wish volunteers, staff and wish families—that’s kept her coming back for almost 25 years.

And it’s what inspired her to join a special group of donors committed to making wishes possible every month of the year.

What your monthly gift can do

“Whatever I do, I know my monthly donation is coming out without a second thought,” said Susie. “It’s so easy to do.”

wish sendoff party

accessories for a photography wish

accessories for a room redo wish

airline travel for a wish family

Granting wishes brings Venture together

When marketing manager Dani Oster came to Venture General Contracting, she saw an opportunity to reinvigorate philanthropic giving within the company. “Make-A-Wish allowed our staff to rally behind a common, tangible goal together,” she said.

Dani developed a passion for Make-A-Wish after witnessing a wish experience fulfilled. Immediately she was drawn to the tangibility of the mission and wanted to share it. Getting Venture to fundraise as a company through theAdopt-A-Wish®program was easy because her coworkers were able to see the direct results of their efforts.

The key to success for Venture? Never underestimate your network and the power of sharing a child’s story. You’ll be surprised at how many people jump at the opportunity to help when you do.

Venture’s giving has been recognized by a much larger network. And it gives employees something to be proud of. “It’s really heartwarming to see how a child’s wish can bring an entire community of people together,” Dani said.

If you’re like Dani and want to engage your company by sponsoring a life-changing wish, contact Sarah Hammann.

Parting words from CEO of 27 years

After 27 years of service to local wish families, Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington CEO Barry McConnell is moving on to the next chapter of his life and career. Barry looked back on some of his favorite memories, biggest accomplishments and hopes for the future.

When families receive a devastating diagnosis, their world caves in. They need hope; the support of our community. Make-A-Wish is the catalyst for that—we bring people who need help together with people who want to help. As long as there are critical childhood illnesses, there will be a need for wishes.”

– Barry McConnell

Photo Courtesy of Henry Alva Photography

Q: What would you like to say to the volunteers, board and community members who have rallied behind the mission?

Thank you! Our organization is incredibly dependent on stakeholders outside of the staff to deliver our mission. We simply can’t grant wishes without our volunteer base—that’s more than 700 volunteers strong. They have the best job; they have the most dynamic experience; they are ambassadors in determining and delivering life-changing experiences to wish families.

Q: Tell me about a wish that’s stuck with you.

It becomes impossible to choose! Each wish is so unique to each child and will always be special.

Q: What do you hope to see for the future of Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington?

We’re poised to accomplish something incredible—to grant a wish to every eligible child and be able to sustain that every year. Very few nonprofits are able to achieve their organizational ideal, and we are right on the doorstep. And we can only get there with the continued support of our community.

Thank you for daring to dream with us

Wish mom Cindy captivated the audience at Wish Night® with the story of her daughter Lindsey. She took to the stage with a powerful message.

“Now that she’s gone from this earth and memories are all I have, one of my most precious ones is Lindsey’s face, lit up with delight as her wish came true,” Cindy said.

Every day, at least one child in Alaska and Washington is diagnosed with a critical illness and we are not reaching them all. We need you more than ever so we can reach our vision to grant a wish to every eligible child.